Final answer:
In the scientific method, a hypothesis is a testable prediction based on preliminary evidence that is confirmed or refuted through controlled experiments, where data is collected and analyzed to determine if the hypothesis holds true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves forming a tentative explanation known as a hypothesis and then testing this hypothesis through experimentation. A hypothesis is essentially a proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon that is based on some preliminary evidence or prior knowledge. This explanation must be testable, meaning that it can be supported or refuted through experiments that are designed carefully to isolate and test specific variables. A hypothesis is grounded in existing knowledge and represents a testable prediction about the natural world. When scientists conduct experiments, they collect data under controlled conditions to see if the results support or contradict the hypothesis. If the experiment supports the hypothesis, this increases confidence in its validity, although it does not prove it beyond all doubt. If the experimental results are inconsistent with the hypothesis, this leads scientists to modify or abandon the initial hypothesis and formulate a new one to be tested.
Experiments are the tools scientists use to test hypotheses. They involve methodical observations or measurements carried out under controlled conditions, where typically only one variable is changed at a time. This allows researchers to establish causality and determine whether a particular factor is responsible for the observed effect. By analyzing the collected data, scientists draw conclusions that either support or reject the hypothesis. If supported, the process often leads to further hypotheses and experiments to deepen understanding of the phenomenon in question.